Capital Region News

Time Running Out

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today, on the 48th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson’s signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, reminded New Yorkers that the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming September primary elections is August 16th. The Governor also released new data showing that more than 200,000 New Yorkers have used the state’s new online MyDMV, and automated systems to register, or update, their voter registration since its launch last year.

“With the launch of our secure online and electronic voter registration systems, New York knocked down barriers that kept some residents from participating in the democratic process,” Governor Cuomo said. “As we approach another election season, I encourage New Yorkers to make sure they are registered to vote to cast their ballot in September.”

The new online registration initiative was announced last August and marked the first time that New Yorkers were able to apply to complete the voter registration process online. Since the program began, 73,210 individuals have registered online -- 25,344 of which were first-time voters. An additional 164,091 have registered, or updated their voter information, using electronic devices in DMV offices. Of them, 59,710 were first time registrants.

The goal of the initiative was to expand access to voter registration and allow New Yorkers for the first time ever to apply to register to vote or update their address or party enrollment through a secure online site.

“I am very pleased that so many people have taken the opportunity to visit the DMV website and register to vote using this new service,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Barbara J. Fiala. “When Governor Cuomo asked DMV to develop this capability to better serve New Yorkers, we anticipated a great response, and that is what we have seen in the number of people who have now registered to vote either online or using the electronic devices in our offices.”

In order to apply to register to vote online at http://dmv.ny.gov/, a person must have a valid New York State license or identification card and establish a MyDMV account. MyDMV requires users to create a secure online account that is validated through the verification of personal information, such as date of birth, social security number, address and license document number.